Overview
Support for Baltimore City Family Caregivers
Caring for a loved one is rewarding, but you don't have to do it alone. The Baltimore City Family Caregivers Program provides free resources, training, and supportive services to help you provide the best care possible while maintaining your own well-being.
Upcoming Events & Workshops for Family Caregivers
Explore classes, trainings, and support opportunities offered through the Baltimore City Family Caregivers Program.
Family Caregiver Resource Guides & Support
Access resource guides and support designed for caregivers at every stage of their caregiving journey.
Caregivers Mentor: Newsletter Series
Explore The Baltimore City Health Department Family Caregivers Mentor Newsletter is a themed resource series designed to support the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths of different caregiver communities throughout the year.
How We Can Help
We offer five core services:
- Information: Get the latest resources on local services and community supports.
- Personal Assistance: One-on-one help connecting you to the specific programs you need.
- Counseling & Education: Join support groups or attend training to build your caregiving skills.
- Respite Care: Guidance, activities and referrals for short-term relief so your loved one stays safe while you recharge.
- Supplemental Services: Limited assistance through non-emergency financial grants to help cover in-home services, respite care, consumable caregiving supplies, and other costs that support daily caregiving needs.
Who is Eligible?
You may qualify for support if you are:
- Caring for an Older Adult: Caregiver (18+) for someone age 60 or older.
- Dementia Care: Caregiver (18+) for someone of any age with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
- Older Relatives: A grandparent or relative (55+, non-parent) caring for a child 18 and under.
- Disability Support: A parent or relative 55+ non-parent) caring for an adult (19–59) with a disability.
About the Program
Funded by the federal Older Americans Act, the Baltimore City Family Caregivers Program supports families and informal caregivers of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and grandchildren. Our goal is to empower, equip, and recognize you no matter where you are on your caregiving journey to strengthen your health and well-being as you care for others.
Caregiver Grant Information
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides non-emergency and non-expedited financial assistance to caregivers to pay for respite or supplemental services. Monies may be paid directly to the caregiver or to the care recipient. The funds can be used to hire providers for respite services or to reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses related to your role as a caregiver. Currently, assistance is limited to $300-$600 per person annually (from the date of processing). This assistance is subjected to the availability of funds.
Eligibility for Caregiver Support
1. Caregivers for Adults 60+
- Care recipient must need help with at least 2 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
- Medical verification required: Doctor or medical practitioner must complete the Medical Status Verification Form.
- Caregiver must be 18 years or older.
- Caregiver and care recipient do not need to be blood relatives.
2. Grandparents or Relative Caregivers (Children 18 & Under)
- Grandparents or relative caregivers providing care to children age 18 or younger must demonstrate guardianship, custody, or kinship care to confirm they are the sole responsible caregiver.
- Caregiver must be 55 years or older.
- Medical verification form not required.
3. Caregivers for Disabled Adults (Ages 19–59)
- Caregiver must be 55 years or older.
- Care recipient must be disabled.
- Medical verification required, indicating condition and ADLs needing assistance.
Geographic Requirements
- Care recipient must be a Baltimore City resident.
- Caregiver and care recipient do not need to live in the same household.
- If living separately, the distance between caregiver and care recipient cannot exceed 25 miles.
- If not in the same household, a notarized letter must be provided naming the primary caregiver.
How to Apply
- Call NFCSP at 410-396-1337 to request your application package.
- Complete the Family Caregiver Grant Request form.
- Include supporting documents: copies of receipts, invoices, or bills justifying your request.
- Medical verification: Care recipient’s primary care physician or medical practitioner must complete the Medical Status Verification Form.
- Payee documentation: Complete a W-9 form before processing and disbursement.
- ID verification: Include a copy of a Maryland State ID or other photo ID verifying age, plus a copy of an unaltered Social Security card for both caregiver and care recipient.
- Processing time: Requests may take up to 90 days to process.
Contact
If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Family Caregivers Program at 410-396-1337 or members of our team:
Jazmine Adams | Program Assistant - jazmine.adams@baltimorecity.gov
Precious Chase | Program Fellow - precious.chase@baltimorecity.gov
Linda Stewart | Program Manager - linda.m.stewart@baltimorecity.gov